Cheryl Perotti

Most of us spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour (or more) in our bathrooms preparing to face the day. So why not make it as comfortable and efficient a space as possible? Although newer homes are devoting more space to bath areas, it is often wasted space without the infrastructure and details that we need. Although the large square space looks luxurious, it usually does not afford the volumes of storage, countertops and seating that can make your space work for you. For those you need ample, not ballroom size, space and plenty of linear footage.

When planning that dream spa-like bath, remember that truly functional storage is the key to controlling clutter. Let’s face it, few of us groom today without various and sundry electronics that have those pesky cords and require the unsightly plugs. The solution is to plan your storage cabinets with accessible outlets that allow the corded monsters to remain plugged in and easily accessible but out of sight when not in use.

Tall cabinets with tray drawers create excellent appliance centers as well as providing easily accessed towels and grooming supplies. In the shower, create wall niches instead of adding shelves for shampoos, soaps, razors. It is a much more streamlined approach!

One of the best one/two combos for a bath area is the oversized, recessed medicine cabinet – cleverly disguised as a beautifully framed mirror. It handles all of those small items at a comfortable height on shallow shelves, so no reaching behind stuff to locate the eye drops and absolutely no nosey guest will think to open your wall mirror to check out your supplies!

If there is a woman in the house, she wants, needs and deserves a comfortable spot to sit to apply her makeup, creams, and lotions. Hey, no one has ever said that being a woman isn’t complicated! And what about the guys? They need a place to clip the toenails (a major yuck factor that should be confined to the bathroom). So think seating, including built ins in your shower. It makes shaving your legs and scrubbing your footsies so much easier!

Tile grout can be another big yuck factor so consider other options for shower and counter top materials. Plus stain resistant quartz, epoxy resins and other impervious materials are wonderful for those areas where perfume, cosmetics and nail polish accidents can occur.

Other big comfort factors in your bath could include a small TV, heated floors, towel warmer, music system, fireplace, ceiling fan and lots and lots (and lots) of natural light. One last thought, make certain you also have a reliable clock in the bath to keep your day on schedule. Because you just might start enjoying your morning ritual a little too much!

Matthew and Jori Zarra

The “No-Salt” technology is referred to as Physical Water Treatment. These systems include magnets, electro-magnets, electrical frequency (these are the systems where you wrap wire around your pipes) and crystallization polymers. All of them claim to modify the structure by changing the composition of the hardness minerals, in a way that prevents scale from forming. One big issue is that the hardness (calcium and magnesium) is still in the water and it is not being removed like a traditional water softener. Ion exchange technology in a traditional water softener 100% removes the hardness from the water unlike physical water treatment.

Another essential problem with all physical water treatment products is that you can’t verify that they are actually doing anything. There is not a test that can show a difference in water before and after the treatment, not one – unlike a water softener. There is not a detectable difference in the feel of the water, the reaction with soaps, or with laundry. The water before and after the treatment is exactly the same. With a traditional softener the effects are instantly noticed through the feeling of the water and the elimination of spots and scaling, this is not the case with physical water treatment If your softener breaks down or is removed you will instantly notice a difference in the water and know something is wrong unlike physical water treatment. In most cases the only way you know that the physical water treatment machine is working is by the green dummy light that shows the machine is on. At Florida Water Treatment we have removed hundreds of these physical water treatment machines because the customer states they have made no difference in their water and reinstalled a traditional water softener. DO NOT make the mistake of believing these physical water treatment machines will take the place of your water softener, they WILL NOT give you the same result and are by no means a direct replacement.

The technology has been improved greatly with traditional water softeners drastically reducing the amount of salt used. At Florida Water Treatment we build softeners that use 4-6 bags of salt per year and we guarantee that you will never miss a day of soft water. The newer technology has made our softeners much more efficient and effective in the way they soften water. AT Florida Water treatment we have a water softener for every budget since all of our equipment is custom built. At FWT we employ no sales personnel so there are no long demonstrations or pushy and deceptive sales tactics. Please call FWT for a free water analysis and estimate.

Patrick and Linda Baldwin

Founder and CEO of Intelligent Gourmet, a “clean” lifestyle food company, Linda Baldwin started in the business 15 years ago with Amore Catering. Since then, she has worn many hats as a Manager, Chef, and Managing Partner. In 2010, the company’s focus shifted to preparing prepackaged “clean” meals and “clean” food products under the brand name, Intelligent Gourmet.

She had the good fortune of growing up watching her mother, father, grandmother and aunt prepare weekend and holiday meals. The care and effort they put into their cooking ignited a spark in her. She says, “Sometimes I think this profession is just in your blood.” She began her culinary career managing fine dining restaurants in the North East training and working with some of the top Chefs from around the country.

Intelligent Gourmet’s, Linda’s brain child, uses food that is all-natural, low-sodium, low-fat, gluten-free, and low-glycemic-carbohydrate. Their “clean” food line includes snacks, salad dressings, sauces, and individually prepackaged gourmet quality meals and “clean living” meal plans. Traditionally, consumers wanting to eat healthy had to put up with low quality, small portion, and bland meals. Now everyone can eat healthier and make changes that will improve the quality of their lives. Liz Keiffer, Certified Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor, describes it as “Solving a problem created by food with food.”

The biggest difference in Intelligent Gourmet’s food is not a weight loss specific diet; weight loss is merely a byproduct of eating “clean.” Eating “clean” is also not about fueling your body; it’s about satisfying your taste buds, it’s about learning to eat well, and most importantly it’s about an eating/dietary lifestyle change. The company changes the menu every week with a large variety of items that include wild caught and fresh fish, prime beef tenderloin, pork tenderloin, all natural chicken breast, as well as vegan and vegetarian options. Nothing gets served or put on one of the menu unless it meets her expectations.

The restaurant is a fun upscale environment where one can always find an expert to talk about meals, allergies, and specific likes and dislikes so customers can build a custom meal plan. Everything is made onsite from scratch so it is easy to adapt a recipe as necessary for sensitivities to allergies with family and kid friendly meals under the Intelligent Gourmet and Amore Catering (Amore ToGo) brands.

Linda plans that within the next five years that the company will expand throughout Florida and regionally to satisfy the growing demand for high-quality healthy food products and prepackaged meals. She is actively seeking strategic investors who share the same vision. Her long term goal is to see Intelligent Gourmet products distributed nationally through retailers. For now, service is offered to Tampa, St. Petersburg, New Tampa and Lutz and they also can ship overnight anywhere in a 400 mile radius of their current store.

A member of the Culitvar Team, a group of chef’s hand selected to help support recipe development within the online community for Kraft Foods, Linda keeps busy. She is the community blogger in the neighborhood for WTSP and writes the dining out series for Panache Vue’, South Tampa. She holds a C.P.C.E designation from the National Catering Association and is a member of the American Association of Nutrition Consultants and is in the process of finalizing her C.N.C. designation. Amore’s Intelligent Gourmet was selected by Fit Kids Playground to provide the nutritional and educational component for the grant they received from WE CAN. Amore is recognized as a leader in the field of healthy cooking through Intelligent Gourmet and have written a curriculum that is used to educate pre-school and elementary children in Hillsborough County about the benefits of eating “clean” healthy.

In her personal life, Linda is a wife, mother and grandmother. She is blessed to be married to her best friend. Their shared love of the water gives them an escape to run around in the bay on their Boston Whaler whenever there is free time. Her children live in Gainesville and when she gets the opportunity to sneak out of town, she loves spending family time her children and grandchildren. She loves cooking in her kitchen for family and friends as well as at work.

She owes her success to God, her family and parents. Her Faith provided the confidence to pursue her passion. Her family never questions Linda’s dedication to them despite long work hours and her parents set the example for hard work. Her mentors, Dr. Joseph Guggino and His Son Joseph Guggino gave her the necessary “hand up.”

Being passionate about food and people, she owns a business that allows her to combine both. “Every day I get the satisfaction of helping customers to achieve their goal of taking a proactive approach to their own health by eating “clean” healthy meals!” says Linda with pride.

Cheryl Perotti

Accessorizing Your Home is Like Icing the Cake!

The pleasure of a cake is usually a three-fold sensory extravaganza, orchestrating the fresh baked aroma of sweetness, the sheer spectacle created by mounds, waves, and swirls of luscious icing and confections with the palatal play of the flavors as you consume it. No matter how fresh the cake or how perfectly blended and baked it may be, we really can’t experience it in all its glory without the topping

So it is with cakes, so it goes with your home! My sagiest (my new word for wisest) advice to anyone desiring to create a dynamic environment is to allow room in your budget for the finishing touches. The really good thing about the personal touches is that they can be achieved without a big investment.

Always go to your closets and cabinets first- they are usually hiding something unusual, memorable and, best of all, free since you already own it! And while you’re digging for treasures don’t forget to check with Aunt Matilda- she may have just the quirky item or retro piece to add to your arsenal. When purchasing art and artifact for your home, bear in mind the reality of your budget, both current and future. Since these purchases are strictly for show, the punch power is far more important than the quality. Unless you are, or intend to become, a collector of fine art, there generally is little need for spending big unless you just can’t achieve the same look without it.

Accessorizing seems to be the area that intimidates most homeowners but there are some guidelines that can be oh so helpful! Some of these points I have mentioned in the past but they definitely bear repeating and further explanation. Filling those bare walls is always the biggest challenge. Because mistakes tend to leave holes in your walls, you feel the pressure to get it right the first time…and that is so hard! The question of mixing art styles, frames and media is confusing enough and then you have to get the spacing just right. No wonder most of us retreat from the task. I always employ a level, a tape measure, a pencil, a tap on the wall to find the stud, and a trained eye but there are new toys out there that employ laser beams for the perfect measure and stud finders to ensure you are in the right spot. It often helps to layout an arrangement on the floor to plan you spacing. The basic rules are simple, mix anything that seems pleasing to your eye, keep the larger pieces lower, hang most art at SEATED eye level or, if doing a grouping, start low enough to connect the art to the furniture below it. Too much space leaves a negative void. Distribute your accent colors, various textures and finishes throughout the space to create cohesion and interest and don’t be afraid to do the unexpected. A low hung picture, a picture over a mirrored wall, a shelf over a doorway- these are all engaging when done correctly.

Tabletop landscaping should be beautiful AND functional. Place remotes, eye glasses, pens etc. in attractive boxes, reading material should be nicely displayed or stacked in baskets, lamps in proportion to the table and suitable to the task of lighting, and select accessories that contribute to the ambiance of the room but leave space for a cup of coffee or a drink on your tables.

Collectibles are most interesting when presented in a grouping, odd numbers of items create more excitement to the eye, and the pyramid shape is an alternative to simple symmetry when deciding placement. The world is in to ebooks (okay not me, I am still comforted by old school) but your home can be warmed by the presence of books worked in to shelves and tablescapes. China cabinets are usually begging for warmth and can be graced with accessories, so consider storing some of those place settings behind closed doors.

Another good principle to remember is that filling empty corners can actually better define your space, so employ pedestals, art easels, silk or live trees and plants, along with sculpture and accent lighting to enhance and engage that area. Lighting should always be provided on all levels, ceiling, mid, and floor level to create drama as well as functional illumination. And cozy up your upholstery with pillows and throws that say “come snuggle up here” while they add a splash of color at the same time.

So there you have it, some of the major ingredients of accessorizing and just enough knowledge to make you scary with power- that is just enough to ice your own cake!

Lolita San Miguel

First Generation Pilates Master Teacher Lolita San Miguel Shares Her Living Legacy at Suncoast Pilates

“Boundless energy”, “intense creativity” and “an enduring devotion to Pilates” are all phrases that describe Lolita San Miguel, a first generation Pilates teacher. New York-born Lolita San Miguel celebrates in 2011 her 53rd anniversary of practicing the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning. She received her first certification from Carola Trier, Joseph Pilates’ first disciple to open a studio. She then studied with Joseph Pilates himself. Lolita holds the distinction of being one of the only two known practitioners to have been officially certified by Joseph and Clara Pilates and awarded degrees by the State University of New York to teach the Pilates Method. Lolita has also been certified by Polestar Pilates Education and was awarded a Gold Certificate by the Pilates Method Alliance. She is one of the three living “Distinguished Elders” of the Pilates Method Alliance.

After a distinguished career in dance – she was a soloist with the Metropolitan Ballet for over ten years and ballet mistress for Ballet Hispanico for three years – Ms San Miguel moved with her husband to Puerto Rico in 1977. She founded Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico’s finest ballet company) and was its Artistic and Executive Director for 27 years. She also founded Pilates y Mas, Inc. in Puerto Rico in 2000 to teach, train and certify teachers in association with Polestar Pilates Education. Ms San Miguel retired from Ballet Concierto in 2004 and at the age of 70 started a new career, dedicated to the teaching of the Pilates Method. Ms San Miguel is in great demand throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and South America, and has international students and teachers come to train with her. She has published eight DVDs.

Suncoast Pilates is proud to have Lolita San Miguel presenting two Pilates workshops, a “Meet and Greet” and sharing the history and her experiences with Joseph Pilates on February 3 – 4, 2012, at the studio.

Patricia Massey Welter

Patricia Massey Welter, PMA®-CPT, Lolita San Miguel Pilates Master™, Second Generation Pilates Teacher – Suncoast Pilates – 34080 U.S. Hwy 19 North – Palm Harbor, Florida 34684 - Phone: (727) 772-6772 - www.SuncoastPilates.com

Dali Hernandez

Dali Hernandez has only been designing professionally for about three years, but she’s fast becoming one of Tampa Bay’s golden girls of fashion. She’s not only making headlines for her chic creations, the 34-year-old designer is even starting to reap rewards for her undeniable talent for making good-looking garments.

“I have been very blessed and have an amazing God-given talent,” recognizes Hernandez, who was recently named as one of Creative Loafing’s 2011 Best of the Bay runners-up in the Best Local Fashion Designer category. “This year, doing what I have been called to do has been the greatest reward.”

There’s no denying Hernandez was born to concoct and create attractive attire. And, it didn’t take the Puerto Rico-born designer long to recognize her life’s mission.

“I loved fashion as a child; I was very eccentric,” recalls Hernandez, who grew up in New York City and Massachusetts. “I used to get made fun of at school because I just came up with my own style. I never followed the trends; I really just did my own thing. And, I didn’t really care what people thought. I just kind of wanted to make a statement.”

Photo: Dan Austin Photography

So how did Hernandez develop such a fierce fascination for fashion in the first place? She apparently inherited it from the talented, stylish and inspirational women in her life. Dali’s mother, who learned how to sew at an early age and would make her daughter’s clothes; and her abuelita in Puerto Rico, who had an incredible fashion sense.

“I would sit at my grandmother’s vanity and play with her vintage jewelry, clutches and her gowns,” remembers Hernandez vividly of spending her summers on The Island of Enchantment. “She would buy and rework the gowns to her liking.”

Despite her passion for fashion, Hernandez didn’t pursue her design dreams right away. Instead she moved to the Bay Area to study business at the University of Tampa and later the International Academy of Design & Technology. She would go on to spend 10 years working as a financial broker until the nation’s economic downturn in 2007 forced her to reevaluate her life.

Photo: Dan Austin Photography

“I went to California and came back very inspired,” states Hernandez, who also experienced a few personal problems during that time that would help forever alter the course of her life. “After a major surgery and some life issues, I decided to focus on my mind, body and soul. And, I decided to do what I was born to do… design.”

Since then, Hernandez has quickly become a highly sought-after designer who’s sexy, edgy and sophisticated creations have been featured in numerous local newspapers, magazines and television programs. She even showed a collection for the first time ever at this year’s Tampa Bay Fashion Week runway show.

Photo: Dan Austin Photography

“It’s been a truly amazing year,” pronounces the self-proclaimed New York City designer with a penchant for leather, faux fur and heavy fabrics. “I’m most proud of how I’ve remained focused on my work. In life there will always be distractions, you’ve just got to keep pressing forward.”

It’s that affirmative attitude, combined with an uncanny knack for crafting chic clothing that compliments even the curviest of women, that will undoubtedly take Hernandez from Tampa Bay’s golden girl to international design star.

Dali’s Spring/Summer
2012 Collection

Hernandez’s latest collection, first showcased at Tampa Bay Fashion Week, was created with the “golden girl” in mind. A departure from her edgier fall collection, this season’s pieces are softer and more romantic, and they feature lace, ruffles, sheer fabrics, organza and sequins. For Dali, it represents “going through the fire…and coming out golden.”

For more on
Hernandez and her
latest collection, visit
www.HouseofDali.com

Photography: Dan Austin Photography • Models: Angee Killian Huntley & Jennifer Smurr • Fashions: Dali Hernandez • Hair & Makeup: Yara, El Shaddai Makeup & Hair Designs • Location: Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704

Tom Castañeda

Tom Castañeda is a creative writer, blogger, and award-winning broadcast journalist who has worked at Architectural Digest, In Touch Weekly, and Latina – a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle magazine for today’s bi-cultural Latina woman. Throughout his career in publishing, Tom has planned and executed numerous celebrity, fashion, and beauty programs throughout the country, including fashion shows, and shopping events for brands like Bloomingdale’s, Chanel, Mikimoto, David Yurman, Givenchy, Armani Fragrances, Macy’s, Southpole Collection, and more. Additionally, Tom has drawn on his strong journalism background to create various print, online, and video reports on various subjects, including fashion and beauty.

Photos: Michael Blitch

13 Ugly Men’s 16th Annual
Get Roasted Thanksgiving Eve

The 13th Ugly Men are known for their parties in support of charity and this was no exception. Tampa Bay residents were out enjoying this Even of Thanksgiving in full force.

Photos: Michael Blitch

Photos: Michael Blitch

A New Era in Healthcare,
The Morsani College of Medicine at USF

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine was named in recognition of a contribution by Frank and Carol Morsani of $37 million to USF Health of the total $43 million they have given to the university.

Upcoming Events to Consider

The Tampa Museum of Art presents Worlds Apart: Myth & History, Gods & Mortals, Heroes & Hybrids form February 12th to the 15th.

The Florida Orchestra and The Studio@620 present the third season of “An Intimate Collaboration” on February 15th, March 14th and May 9th.

3rd Annual India International Film Festival of Tampa Bay will be held from February 17th to the 19th at Channelside Cinemas.

Don’t miss your chance to mingle with local and national celebrities at the 30th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic, Stars and Pars Gala and Auction on February 25th. Funds will benefit The Children’s Home, Inc.

Karyn Anjali

Karyn Anjali is a published author and Tampa Bay’s resident socialite spends time out and about attending events and supporting charities. A successful business owner of a custom jewelry line, Karysma, and a Real Estate Broker, writing remains a preferred hobby.

Born in Trinidad, and having lived in Toronto, London, Miami and Vancouver prior to moving here 9 years ago, she enjoys the small town feel within a large city with daily dynamic things happening. She has an MBA and a BA in Communication Arts.

Tom Casteneda - Photo: Dan Austin Photography

I’m not ashamed to admit I absolutely love figure skating. Now, I’m not obsessed with the sport. I can’t rattle off the names of skaters who’ve landed a quadruple jump or anything like that. But, if there’s a competition on television while channel surfing, I stop and watch…like a hawk!

There’s just something so breathtakingly beautiful and terrifyingly thrilling about the sport, especially knowing how challenging it is to look so perfectly poised while gliding on an extremely thin blade of metal across a super-slick surface.

While attending college, I even enrolled in a figure skating class to fulfill my physical education credit, even though I had never stepped foot on the ice before. My instructor, a one-time Olympic-level coach, even told me I had a natural talent for skating, said I “could’ve been a contender.” I was obviously flattered!

Except for the very rare trip to an ice skating rink, that would be my last experience on skates in years…until now. Tired of running, biking and doing the elliptical to get into better shape; I’ve decided to tackle the ice again by taking a challenging 10-week training session at the Tampa Bay Skating Academy in Oldsmar.

It may not be a traditional way of working out, but you can burn some serious calories. For every hour of continuous skating, a 150-pound person burns about 600 calories, according to the American College of Sports Medicine—that’s about the same amount as running five miles in an hour. And, orthopedic surgeons say ice skating has less impact on joints than activities like running. But that’s not all, it even helps build muscle tone, increase endurance and improve balance.

During my first icecapade—a pre-class session with TBSA coach Alex Vlassov to help me get reacquainted with the art of skating—I quickly learned that I haven’t completely lost my abilities. I was actually able to get my footing pretty quickly; and I was still able to do a couple of the tricks I learned in my college class.

Photo: Dan Austin Photography

I did learn that I’ve got a long way to go to be even half as skilled as William and JoJo Hubbart, the 12 and 13-year-old sister-brother figure skating pairs team from Palm Harbor. During my time on the ice with the dynamic duo—who recently placed third at a national skating competition, even though they’ve only been skating as a team for about a year—I couldn’t help but marvel at their remarkable skills while feeling a little self-conscious about my own proficiency on the ice, despite their encouraging looks and considerate counsel.

Nervousness and insecurity aside, along with a fear of falling in front of a rink full of onlookers, I must admit it felt energizing to be back on the ice. And, I had an absolute blast. So, even though I know I’ll never be an Olympic gold medalist like Scott Hamilton or Brian Boitano, I’m excited about challenging myself to refine my skills, maybe even learn how to do a single Salchow while getting an invigorating, non-traditional winter workout.

To follow Tom’s progress on the ice, visit www.PanacheVue.com. For more information on adult and children’s classes at the Tampa Bay Skating Academy, visit www.TBSA.com.

Tom Castañeda

Tom Castañeda is a creative writer, blogger, and award-winning broadcast journalist who has worked at Architectural Digest, In Touch Weekly, and Latina – a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle magazine for today’s bi-cultural Latina woman. Throughout his career in publishing, Tom has planned and executed numerous celebrity, fashion, and beauty programs throughout the country, including fashion shows, and shopping events for brands like Bloomingdale’s, Chanel, Mikimoto, David Yurman, Givenchy, Armani Fragrances, Macy’s, Southpole Collection, and more. Additionally, Tom has drawn on his strong journalism background to create various print, online, and video reports on various subjects, including fashion and beauty.

PV:

PV: What is your role in your business?
Carl: While I exclusively see patients in my Oldsmar office, I also partner with our other outstanding doctors located in Trinity, Wesley Chapel, and Tampa. As the owner and partner of the other offices, I along with my team of doctors have changed the lives of thousands of people throughout the Tampa Bay area.

PV: What sets you apart from your competition?
Carl: The doctors and staff at Conforti Chiropractic strive to make each patient their number one priority. With individual consultations and adjustment rooms, each patient is given the attention they need in order to achieve their fullest potential for health and wellness.
In addition to the service, Conforti Chiropractic is a full wellness clinic. Our patients receive adjustments, therapeutic massage, therapeutic exercise, spinal decompression, and hot and cold therapies through their treatment plans. In addition, our Oldsmar office also offers a full medi-spa with facials, microdermabrasions, etc. As a whole health and wellness office, Conforti Chiropractic sets a new standard in health!

PV: What would you be doing now if this weren’t your business, taking money out of the equation?
Carl: I would be volunteering in the community to provide health and wellness services to those who do not have the means to provide for themselves. I would spend time in the schools working with children and teaching them how to make the choices that will make them healthy for their entire life. Educating the public on the importance of wellness is the most important aspect of my job, and it is something that I am passionate about every day.

PV: What do you do for fun?
Carl: On my days away from the office, I enjoy fishing, boating, wave running, golfing, and spending time with my 3 amazing children.

PV: Who or what is most important to you?
Carl: My three beautiful kids and my parents, they have the most amazing passion for love and life. They have supported me my entire life and I would not be who I am without them.

PV: A little secret about you that would shock people who don’t know you.
Carl: I was a competitive body builder for 6 years. I won 5 overall championships and appeared on ESPN.

PV: What are your personal and professional mottos?
Carl: I treat every single person that I encounter in my office and in my life as I would a member of my family. It is amazing how far truth and fairness will get you in business and in life. There is nothing more important than surrounding yourself with people you love and trust.

PV: When you were 5 what was your dream job?
Carl: I wanted to be an accountant. My family’s business taught me a lot about managing money and keeping track of everything.

PV: Have you achieved all or most of your dreams thus far?
Carl: I am so happy with what I have achieved in life, but I will never stop dreaming. Dreams make us strive for excellence each and every day…and that is something that I will pursue for my entire life.

“Dreams make us strive for excellence each and every day… and that is something I will pursue my entire life.”

Dr. Carl Conforti has been a licensed Chiropractor since March 1998.

Dr. Carl Conforti has been freeing people from pain since May 1999 in his clinic in Oldsmar, FL. As a Chiropractor with experience, he is committed to promoting the health and well being of his patients.

Dr. Conforti uses a “whole person approach” when taking care of his patients. By combining the very best hands-on-technique, state of the art physiotherapy procedures, and providing the newest and best natural vitamins and mineral supplements on the market today, Dr. Conforti is able to help you to accelerate and/or maintain your journey to good health.

Although Dr. Conforti works exclusively out of our Oldsmar office, he also owns clinics in Trinity, Tampa, and Wesley Chapel. His collegues Dr. Todd Bodanza, DC of the Trinity location, Dr. Damien Rogers, DC of the Tampa location, and Dr. Bill Scheu, DC of the Wesley Chapel location work continuously with Dr. Conforti to provide the best in spinal care and wellness.

Education:
University of Florida
Life University

Memberships & Associations:
Florida Chiropractic Society
Florida Chiropractic Association
Certified in Cox Flexion/Distraction technique

Dr. James R. Pitts

At the beginning of a new year, people tend to reflect on the past year and plan some for the future. New Year’s resolutions are broken by February. However, well thought out goals and plans can succeed.

Abraham Lincoln said, “If I had two hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend the first hour sharpening the axe.”

Any good financial plan starts with organization. Most of us have our financial documents and accounts spread all over the place; a few different mutual funds here, an old retirement plan with a former employer there, an IRA somewhere, our wills or life insurance policies lost in a file cabinet.

If something ever happened to us, heaven help the person who has to figure it all out! There is a better way to organize your financial life. It is a tool called a Record Locator. This 2 page document lists all your pertinent financial accounts, documents and policies. It contains not only the account numbers but where the documents are kept and the important contact information. A copy of the Record Locator should always be kept in your safe deposit box at the bank. You may also wish to keep another copy at a secure location either at home or work.

Not only will you now be organized, but you can better understand exactly what you have. Financial planning begins with assessing your current situation. Where are you now financially? During this discovery process, whether you do it by yourself or with a professional, you may find many interesting things. How much do you have saved for retirement and where and how are the assets invested? What is the current asset allocation model? If you have children, what is the plan for funding their education? Do you have a current will or trust and have you thought about estate planning? Do you have protection for your family and assets in case of a disaster or death? If you own a business, what is the plan for transition or sale of the business? All of these questions can be daunting and difficult. But they are extremely important and necessary for proper financial planning.

Now that you are organized and know where you stand financially, you can then begin to make a plan for retirement. Most people if asked how much they’ll need at retirement don’t have a clue. It is tough to know how much is enough. In order to answer this most complicated question, you have to consider several other issues. First, what age do you want to retire? Next, what type of lifestyle do you lead now and will this change at retirement? Third, will you still have any debt when you retire? Fourth, do you have a plan for health care insurance, long term care, or how will Medicare and supplements fit into your budget? Next, have you factored into your nest egg number the effect of inflation? Last and maybe the most important, have you thought about how you will turn the big pile of money that you have accumulated into a lifetime stream of income once you don’t receive a paycheck?

Let’s look at a couple of examples. In the 1st example, you are a 65 year old person who is retiring debt free and lives a modest lifestyle. You currently are eligible for Medicare and have a Medigap policy to help cover other expenses. You were a planner and saver, so you have investments in place that pay a steady lifetime stream of income which covers most of your bills. In this case, you don’t require a huge nest egg and can be comfortable with a modest sum.

The other example is a person who retires early at 55. They live a bigger lifestyle and spend cash like sailors on a weekend pass. They have not paid off all their debt yet due to early retirement. Unfortunately they aren’t eligible for Medicare yet so they have an expensive health insurance policy. Although they make a good salary there has not been much saved. Planning always seemed like something to do tomorrow so there are not many things in place to produce income. This person requires a huge nest egg just to keep up there lifestyle.

Where do you want to be? Once we know what your number is, then we can work backward to figure how to get there. As the old saying goes, most people don’t plan to fail-they just fail to plan. In the next issue we will discuss strategies to help you reach “your number”. Happy New Year and Happy Investing!

“Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.”
Ayn Rand

To receive a free copy of a record locator document, please use the contact information listed below.

Dr. James R. Pitts
727-686-4068
james.pitts@jwcemail.com

The examples that are provided are for illustrative purposes and are not actually representative of investment results. Investing involves risk of loss of principal; therefore it is important to consider your own individual risk tolerance prior to investing.

Dr. James Pitts is a Registered Investment Advisor Representative and Financial Planner. He ran a successful dental practice for 25 years and by using financial planning techniques and investing wisely, he was able to retire at 51 financially independent and debt free. His passion is to help other people reach their financial goals and live the best life.

Call to schedule a free, no obligation consult or 2nd opinion.
Dr. James R. Pitts
727-686-4068
james.pitts@jwcemail.com